2011 PREVIEW: Scripps Ranch prepared to challenge Hoover

In the spotlight: Anh Vo — Hoover’s San Diego Section boys Player of the Year last season when he won the singles title and teamed with Jonathan X to win the doubles — has graduated, along with the heart of last season’s starting lineup. Still, the Cardinals are riding long-term momentum and the tradition of having won the last six section team titles. It includes a 16-1 thumping of Scripps Ranch in the 2010 finale. The Falcons have a solid chance to make amends this season. “We win a lot because our players are dedicated to the sport and play it throughout the year,” said Hoover coach Vu Nguyen. “But I honestly don’t think we’re the team to beat right now.”

Others to watch:

Sophia Wong (Kearny)

Cynthia Wong (Kearny)

Michelle Tri (Hoover)

Brian Sori (Hoover)

Kevin Teer (Hoover)

Thin Nguyen (Hoover)

Thuong Ngo (Hoover)

Jonathan Taing (Crawford)

Danny Ngo (Crawford)

Thao Nguyen (Crawford)

Long Lieu (Scripps Ranch)

Tina Tran (Hoover)

Khanh Ngo (Patrick Henry)

Sofia Tran (Scripps Ranch)

Anthony Nguyen (Mira Mesa)

Randy Taing (La Jolla)

Loc Cao (Kearny)

A.J. Aphayavong (Serra)

Outlook: Though lacking the depth for a run at the team title (especially with the mid-year graduations of lettermen Touger Thao and Thao Lam), Kearny offers a potent threat in twins Sophia and Cynthia Wong, who lost in the girls doubles semifinals as juniors. Sophia also advanced to the singles final, where she lost to girls Player of the Year Donia Zosa of Morse. In the team chase, Crawford (four section titles, but none since 1993), Serra and Mission Bay loom as darkhorses.